1. Family Caregiving What occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students need to know Developed by the SISC 2008

2. The Occupation of Family Caregiving  Often leads to a change in: Habits Habits Routines Routines Roles Roles  Can lead to occupational Deprivation Deprivation Imbalance Imbalance Disruption Disruption  Requires increased allocation of Time Time Energy Energy Finances Finances

3. The Occupation of Family Caregiving  May have important cultural implications Societal norms Societal norms Family structure Family structure  Can be deeply rewarding (or burdensome) as the case may be  Can create the opportunity for enhanced occupational engagement

4. Caregiver Burden  The physical, emotional and financial toll on person and families  Risk factors: Social isolation Social isolation Lack knowledge of condition Lack knowledge of condition Limited skills Limited skills Personal coping style Personal coping style Pre-morbid relationship Pre-morbid relationship

5. Skills that occupational therapy professionals bring to caregivers  Enabling caregivers to provide care Transfers / mobility / bathing / dressing / feeding Transfers / mobility / bathing / dressing / feeding Adapting leisure and social participation Adapting leisure and social participation  Educating caregivers to care for themselves Assessing caregiver stress / burden Assessing caregiver stress / burden Stress management strategies Stress management strategies Requesting / accepting help Requesting / accepting help Activity simplification Activity simplification  Teaching behavior management strategies to the caregiver  Use of a strengths-based, occupation-centered, empowerment model to help care givers find meaning in the occupation of caregiving  Validate the importance of caregiving

6. Finding and Using Evidence  What is effective in promoting the health and wellness of family caregivers? Caregiver education in groups that Caregiver education in groups that Empower the caregiverEmpower the caregiver Validate their roleValidate their role Support and praise their contributionSupport and praise their contribution Allow for ventingAllow for venting Teach skills in problem-solving, communication and behavior managementTeach skills in problem-solving, communication and behavior management

7. Knowledge about Community Resources  Respite care In home or in facility In home or in facility  Service provision Meals on Wheels, home health aides Meals on Wheels, home health aides  Support groups In person or online In person or online  Home Modifications & Assistive Technology